Contribution of Silvopastoralism in Improving Ecosystem Services in Drought Prone Savanna Areas of Nyagatare District. Case Study of Matimba and Rwimiyaga Sectors

Abstract

This study assesses silvopastoralism as an ecosystem-based adaptation strategy in Nyagatare District of Rwanda, focusing on Matimba and Rwimiyaga sectors. These savanna areas have historically experienced tree removal to create pasture, which was subsequently degraded. Using field observations, interview, satellite-based spatio-temporal analysis, the research assessed baseline and current conditions as well as challenges and opportunities of silvopastoralism. The results revealed that, deforestation, overgrazing, and expansion of built-up areas contributed to land degradation of 7,347.4 hectares over 22 years (2000 – 2022). Vegetation health, assessed using Normalized Deference Vegetation Index (NDVI), showed seasonal variations with values ranging from 0.2 to 0.4, indicating a reduced vegetation health during dry seasons. Land Surface Temperatures (LST) ranged from 20 to 43 °C, with higher temperatures during dry seasons indicating drought stress. In response, Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) project introduced silvopastoralism in 2020, to restore pastureland, enhance drought resilience by reintroducing native trees. Silvopastoralism included planting drought-tolerant trees spaced 15 meters apart and 6 meters along paddocks, with 44 trees per hectare in average, providing shade over 1.5 hectares per paddock (4.8% of the total paddock area) and expected to be increased as trees are growing. These results suggest that the silvopastoral practices has promise for improving ecosystem services including the forage availability and regulate microclimates through tree shading, particularly during dry seasons. This may help mitigate animal heat stress and address reduced vegetation health and land degradation. The study offers insights into ecosystem-based adaptation strategies, recommending silvopastoralism as a sustainable land management approach for Nyagatare District and providing a foundation for policymakers to consider in future planning.